Independent Support for Property Insurance Claim Disputes
Experience when it counts.
Court-appointed Appraiser and Umpire under Statutory Condition 11 and Section 128 of the Ontario Insurance Act. Mediation, arbitration, consultation, and site inspections for residential, commercial, industrial, and condominium property loss disputes.
Clarity. Fairness. Statutory integrity.
Decades of property claim experience, offered independently.
George R. Milnes has been appointed by the Ontario Superior Court as both Appraiser and Umpire under Statutory Condition 11 of Property Insurance Policies and Section 128 of the Ontario Insurance Act. He is a former claims manager with the Ontario Home Warranty Program (now Tarion) and a founding member of the Toronto Home Builders Association Renovation Council.
Now semi-retired, George offers an attractive fee structure for residential, industrial, commercial, and condominium property loss disputes — including mediation and arbitration services on consent of both parties.
Supporting fair and principled resolution in a modern claim environment
Ontario's appraisal and dispute-resolution framework is under increasing pressure from evolving policy wordings, complex multi-peril claim, and heightened expectations around fairness and transparency. My work helps parties navigate this environment with a principled, statutory-grounded approach that respects both the history and the intended limits of the Insurance Act.
When appointed as an umpire, arbiter-neutral, or mediator, my role is not to adjust claims or negotiate settlements — those functions belong exclusively to adjusters under the Act. I provide a neutral, independent process that helps parties reach fair, efficient, and legally coherent outcomes.
Neutrality and restraint
Applying the statutory framework as written, with respect for the intended scope of sections 128 and 143 and the historical purpose of appraisal as a valuation-focused mechanism.
Professional respect for all participants
Insurers, adjusters, public adjusters, contractors, counsel, and policyholders each bring essential expertise. A principled process acknowledges those contributions.
Constructive engagement
Meaningful improvement — procedural or legislative — requires open dialogue among all stakeholders, including regulators and industry associations.
A focused practice in property claim dispute resolution
Consultation
Practical guidance for property owners, insurers, lawyers, or other parties involved in property insurance claim disputes.
Site Inspections
Independent site inspections to help review disputed property loss issues and clarify claim-related concerns - as it pertains to extent of damage and methodology of repair or replacement.
Mediation Support
Support for parties seeking practical resolution of property insurance disputes through mediation.
Arbitration — Neutral Appointments
Neutral arbitration appointments available on an hourly-rate basis only – as an arbiter-neutral.
Appraisal / Umpire Services
Appraisal umpire services for property insurance disputes, including matters connected to s.128 of the Insurance Act of Ontario.
Court Appearance / Expert Witness
Court appearance and expert witness support when required, depending on the matter and scope.
Thesis on Property Insurance Dispute Resolution
George R. Milnes's thesis and curriculum vitae are available to help visitors better understand his background and perspective on property insurance dispute resolution in Ontario.
Discuss your matter
Independent guidance, mediation, arbitration, appraisal and umpire support.